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rn tne crowding rears find Agitations tne
idea flashed upon me that they meant not
only to slay but to torture me. I thought
of all I had read about living men being
flayed and cut iuto bits bj- savages, and my
flesh crept and shrank as if at the touch of
the knife. Io was only by keeping teeth
and lips clinched that I managed to hold
from venting my agony in shrieks.
To my great astonishment and unutter
able relief, the precession began to move on
again, I being given tho muzzle of a mus
ket to direct my step3. Bruised, cut, bleed
?y
Iicas given thc muzzle of a musket to di
rect my stc'ps.
ing and panting with fear and fatigue, I
stumbled, often causing my guide to curse
savagely and threaten to pitch me head
foremost down the cliff. I could not help
thinking that if he were blindfolded he
might go just as clumsily, though I had to
keep tho opinion guardedly behind my
teeth.
Presently there was another brief halt,
and I could hear the Arabs in whispered
consultation. Then I knew that part of 1
the company went one way and part an- !
other, I sticking to my gun barrel as if it
were my sole hope of salvation. Another
breathless clamber followed, doubly trying
to me in my blinded condition, and in a
little while I understood from the free \
play of the air that at last we had reached
the "top.
I had hardly time to wonder what was
coming next when one of my guards spoke. J
"We wish to be rid of thee," he said
bluntly. "Listen well to my words, for j
they concern thy very life. While we
were yet far down the gull', some said, 'Cut1
him in two' and cast him to the fishes.
Others-and weil for thee they prevailed
answered 'No, rather let him live if so be he
go not to come back. If he return, then
shall his blood be upon his own bead.'
Nov.* we are merciful. We will lead thee to
a place of safety some distance hence and
there leave thee. Only if for the space of
one hour thou triest to free thine eyes
from their covering, then as surely as thou
dost it thou shalt die ere thou hast time to
look twice."
Without waiting for a word from me he
gave the order, and we went on again. The
ground was broken and uneven, but after
the pit sides we had climbed it was like the
queen's highway.
We may have marched for an hour when
we stopped. I was made to sit upon a
. stone. Then they untied my hands, ad
monishing me to remember the penalty for
disobedience in respect to the bandage on
my eyes, and having given me my pipes,
which in a surprising spirit of generosity
had been taken care of, they left me.
I sat there for awhile with perfect loy
alty, acutely mindful of the injunctions
and admonitions I had received. I kept
my hand tight on the green bag. In the
stress of terror just gone through I had for
gotten it, but now that it was returned its
touch had for a moment somethiug of the
solace of au old friend's presence.
Partly to amuse myself, partly to com
pute the flight of time, I began to count the
seconds, but it proved a weary process and
was given up, only however to be begun
again and again stopped, and yet again re
sumed, to be finally abandoned in despair.
In the usual reckoning an hour is but GO
short minutes-that hour was an eternity.
With stoical resolution, though anything
. but stoical indifference, I tried to sit stock
still, imagining the while a hundred lev
eled spears at my side ready to be plunged
into mc at my first movement. The ordeal
kept every nerve aquiver, every sense in a
flutter of dread.
The disciples of Zeus have a pretty doc
trine about arming "the obdurate beast
with stubborn patience, as with triple
steel." I hope they are able to do it in cru
cial emergencies. To me, seek it as I
might, the stubborn patience would not
come. In vain I pricked the will, in vain
recalled lofty maxims about the duty of
bearing pain heroically. It is glorious to
shine as a hero, but at times exceedingly
difficult. I cannot be of the godlike race,
for the harder I strove for fortitude the
laster my power of endurance ebbed.
I started and fidgeted, listened, held my
breath, shivered, shrank together and per
spired; the air was full of ominous sounds,
and horrible slimy things seemed to be
crawling over me. At last the agony of
blind suspense became insufferable. Come
what might, I would have my eyes free.
With trembling hands and a caution
that was amazing in such burning impa
tience, I raised the bandage and glanced
from under its edge, first on one side, then
on the other. Seeing no watcher, I tore the
cloth off and got to my feet, looking round
with more care and deliberation. Not a
soul was about. I was alone.
There was just light enough to enable me
.to discern I was in the middle of a wild
desolation of gorges and piled up cliffs,
rising in the dim distance to what appeared
to be a range of mountains. More for vari
ety's sake than from any definite object I
took up my pipes and began to walk for
ward from the sea. Lut some falls and
fr?quent trippings with sudden glimpses
of a yawning world of blackness ?it my
very feet made it plain that to proceed in
such a chaos of crags and clefts was to risk
my neck at every step. Weary, faint and
in no heart to face unknown dangers, I sat
down again, my back against a big stone, I
to reli?e t on the new turu affairs had taken. {
Hunger fell upon me with the fierceness j
of a beast of prey. Most people I suppose
have felt a sharp craving in their stomach,
but mino was an acute pain that soon be
came a maddening anguish. You are to
remember that I had eateu nothing that
day, that I was active and had the edged
appetite that comes with a full recovery
from sickness when nature is spurring to
make up for lost time. Yet all I could do
was to tighten my waist belt and think
yearningly of the hard tack of the Bird of
Paradise and dream ineffable dreams of the
sumptuousness of home. Let me tell you
that they who dine on such fare are not
likely to die f repletion. The sting of the
sword or the bullet is keen, but give it to
mo before the inappeasable pang of starva
tion.
The stars began to come out presently,
very large and lust rous and I suppose, to t he
proper eye, full of poetry. By and by a sil
very lightness fell on the landscape, and a
little latter the white moon roso in a sap
phire sky, revealing the haggard dreariness
of the scene as clearly as if the time were
noonday.
I got to my feet, and some strange birds
that had their dwelling among the fast
nesses of this dex. rt flocked about me in
evident curiosity, then flew away, scream
ing at my invasion of their retreat. No
other living creature did I see or hear. Too
weak and drowsy to make any e?Turt for
succor, I crawled into a shady spot beneath
the ledge of a great rock, and in spite of
trouble and pain soon fell asleep.
I awoke near the dawn chilled to the
marrow-for the dewy night air in these
parts is sharp-and fallen together like au
empty sack. The pain of my stomach was
excruciating, being for alL the world Ht? u
topyrigkt, 1S03, by John Alexander Steuart!
nviDg, consuming name in my inside. To
the tortures of hunger, too, was now added
that of thirst, and in all the black riven
wilderness there was not a drop of water.
Nor, what was equally disheartening, was
sign of human abode or occupation any
where to be seen. The temptation was
strong to li? down and rest, but as that
would be madness if I wanted to save my
life I staggered on once more, ignorant of
my direction and in the last ebb of hope.
Weary hours passed-hours full of inde
scribable anguish of mind and body-with
out bringing cheer or solace. The sun came
out, a huge white hot furnace enveloped in
a pale haze of its own heat. The earth
blistered and cracked under my eyes; the
rocks were scot ching; it seemed ns if fire
?ind famine were blackening tho land to
gether. A slight wlud blew, but it was
the breath of the crater or sulphur pit let
loose to destroy.
Gasping to suffocation and dreading sun
stroke, I hid in a deep cleft. Here I lay
awhile in shade, but very soon the sun
3mote in upon me till the walls were like
glowing iron. Crawling out, I sought an
other refuge, which in turn became an
oven, forcirg me to change. And so for
thc best part of that day I went from place
to place among the rocks, seeking shade
and all the while getting fainter and more
parched from want of food and water.
Late in the afternoon I resumed my
march in sheer desperation. But it was woe
ful, heartbreaking work. I had got past tho
stage of acute pain from hunger, but the
thirst was a worse agony than ever. For
tunately the hot noxious wind had fallen
ibout noon so that I breathed more freely,
but it was still the struggle of a dying man.
iVnd indeed if relief did not come quickly
[ should soon cease to be in need of it.
By degrees the country grew less barren
md forbidding. Grass began to appear at
Irst in scanty brown patches, but gradual
y getting greener and more plentiful. This
heartened me a bit, and ere long to my in
imit? joy I came upon aman herding a flock
)f goats in a little valley that nestled among
;he cliffs.
He was mightily astonished at seeing
me, and his demeanor at first was none too
"riendly. But my wretched condition must
aave touched him, for when I came totter
ng and rolling down the slope to where he
stood, he stepped forward to meet me with
,vords of pitying inquiry. I saluted briefly
ind appealed to him in heaven's name to
et me bave a drink or I should die. In an
nstant the Christian soul was vigorously
nilking his best goat. I watched till the
M?1 was half full of the frothing creamy
nilk; then unable to forbear I suatched it
rom bini and drank till I choked. After
daking myself, I had some dates from his
>wn wallet and felt wondrously revived,
md for his charily he had as grateful
banks as ever came from the heart of man.
Wheu we came to talk, I told him only
?uch parts of my story as I thought he
:ould understand. He was greatly amazed,
creaking out into frequent ejaculations at
;he relation of Abram ben Aden's treach
?ry and the pillaging of the pirates.
"And what is to become of thee:'" he asked
iuddenly.
"Only God knows that," I answered, "but
f thou wilt add to thy goodness by direct
ng me to the nearest town I may perhaps
ind a way of returning to my own coun
ry."
This he gladly did, but bet?re ne wouia
onsent to my departure I had to take some
nore milk and dates. Nothing loath, I
easted a second time, the goatherd joining
ne in token of good will. Then with cere
Qonious embracings and many vows of
mity we parted.
Rekindled hope is the best of all cordials.
had drunk of it and now pushed on a new
nan, reanimated in body and in spirit. In
wo hours I was climbing a range of hills
leyond which lay the town that happened
dso to be the capital of the province; in an
lour more I was on the top, and Moses be
lolding the promised land could not have
razed forward more wistfully. Pausing
br a moment, my eyes shaded with my
land, I looked down upon a verdant plain
lotted herc and there with dark palm
rroves and the patriarchal flocks and herds
if Arabia. Near the further side, Laif hid
>y the clustering trees, was the town 1
vantcJ to reach. With a fluttering breast
! went on again, bounding down the slopes
tlmost as joyously as if I were descending
ho steep braes above Kilgour.
CHAPTER XIV.
MANY Tr.TIXG VICISSITUDES OF FORTUNE.
I was soon swinging light heartedly
long in grateful shade, anionic the or
hards and gardens and tinkling water
ourses that skirted the town, a very Eden
fter the desert I had passed through. The
icople flocked about me as I went, some
ying me with darkening brows, some re
;arding me with simple amazement, others
f a deeper curiosity turning in their walk
0 follow me, and I could hear them de
lating what kind of outlandish barbarian
his could be who had unaccountably found
lis way among them.
I felt very much like a monster on exhibi
ionfor the entt.r;ainmeutof the vulgar and
he idle. Yet, remembering the necessity of
irudence, I was at great pains to be civil.
Salaaming and saluting incessantly, I in
oked peace and the best blessings of heav
n on all and sundry, but the marimbas, or
releomes, were disappointingly few. Had
known the full significance of an Arab's
ailure to return a salutation, I should
.robably have made more haste to get out
1 the town than I was now making to get
nto it. But ignorance is a wondrous pre
erver of men's spirits.
Judging it best to refrain from asking
[uestions, I pursued my way at a venture
brough squalid alleys tba' writhed and
wisted like endless snakes, turning upon
hemselves in eternal windings and cir
cinus, with the sole object, as it seemed, of
)ewilderiugand distracting. They led any
vhere and everywhere, but dodged a defin
to conclusion, and were thus no inapt eni
fiern of the tortuous Asiatic mind. The
;cents were pungent and of the kinds that
nake one fain to hold one's nose. If these
vero thc "Sabean odors from the spicy
shores of Araby the blest," then let it be
mt on record that, in spite of the mighty
uithority of Milton, Sabean odors are a
?Teat deal pleasanter in imagination than
n reality.
Packs of lean, hungry dogs, too, kept
miffing at my heels in a way that was sore
y vexing. There are notoriously ill coa
litioued dogs in Turkey and Greece. Con
stantinople swarms with them. They are
,vorse than the brigands in the mountains
)f Attica. But of a'l the despicable, de
generate curs in existence the starving
jounds that prowl about Arabian towns
ire the basest and most degraded. With
out owners, greedy partakers of all that is
rile and forbidden, "the filthiest beasts
;hat banquet upon offal," despised and mal
treated, marauders by inheritance und by
lecessity, they have long lo.->t every vestige
)i canine morality.
In contemplating an assault they do not
jark at you nor show' their teeth. Such
jonesty might ?mt you on your guard.
They sidle up to you with the averted look
it incurable depravity, pretending to take
io notice of yoe, yet ail the while carefully
(electing the juiciest part of ?our leg. Even
nrhen they have selected their point of at
;ack they will not (ly at it. but wait pa
bently for their opportunity. When it
?mes, presto! their fangs are in your calf,
md they are off with thu mouthful before
l'on have time to turn. These linties kept
ne continually willi one eye over my simul
ier and the other down by my side, for J
iras ever ail aiil of the tooth of a dog. Some
limes the people made a pretense of re*
nonstrating with them, but I think there
.vouhl have been less sorrow than gladness
iud I been worried io the bone.
The .squat, boxlike shops and bazars
,vere littered with a miscellany of goods
;xccedingly strange to European eyes.
Variegated cloth, red and yellow slippers,
i/iffron, sandal wood, glass beads, mirrors,
swords, files, razors, ropes, bells, saddles,
jutterand various nameless kinds bf oil
mxl sri:':se mscJ ira auointins thc bead and
b?"dy~ watersE?ns, coffeepots; brazen
and kettles and many other stuffs
trumpery were strewn about in hop
confusion. Standing by the doors oi
ting cross legged on palmleaf mats ii
midst of their wares, waiting with h
eyes and languid mien for the custo
who never appeared to come, were the
chants. One and all they stared ha
me, and most of them came into the s
to look after me with muttered guess
and comments. I have no doubt there
muttered curses as well.
To my surprise the orchards and gar
ran almost continuously into the cent
the town, and who would was appare
free to enter. In variety and richuess
surpassed anything I had ever seen, an
deed seemed rather like the concentr
luxuriance of a whole country than
natural growth of a single spot. T
were clumps of feathery date trees, In
palms, pomegranates, orange, apple, t
cot, peach and fig trees. Another tree t
was, too, more famous in Arabian song
story than any of these-the balm t
Like so much that is good and famou
is not beautiful-in fact, it is ugly
scraggy, and were the eye the sole ju
contemptible, but those who know its
tues think little of its mean appearance
In striking contrast to the dark c
foliage were the blazing tropical flow
many of them of inexpressible glory
brilliancy. But what touched me bey
anything else were som 3 clusters of n
nificent roses that flung their fragranci
the air, unmindful of the general noiso
ness-at times, indeed, making one foi
it. The sight of that common Eng
flower, so familiar and so lovely, stii
the emotions as not al?, the splendors of
orient could stir them. It was like
greeting of an old friend in a strange la
In some of the gardens people were dr
ing water from deep wells with leath
buckets, others scooping it up from s]
der stone rimmed watercourses. At sij
of such plenty I began to get hungry ?
thirsty again, and so tempting was
fruit that presently I found myself m<
tating a robbery. But at every gate I
cided to wait till I reached the next, and
this way, a thief at heart, an honest n
from fear, I went along feasting my e
bnt grievously vexing the stomach, wh
firotested ever more and more vigorous
6 is an ill experience to be famishi
among plenty.
On turning ono of the many street c
tiers, full of the thought which most
gages a nungry man, 1 entered a square
which was assembled a great crowd,
glance made it plain that they were ho
?lay makers. In the midst was a man wet
lng over the usual shirt a gay particolon
mantel and a scarlet vest, with wide sleev
like a bishop's gown. His head was fa
tastically enfolded in a flamiD e handke
chief, in the voluminous twr ?s of whi
there were stuck three bobbing peacoi
feathers, He was seated on a camel as gc
geously caparisoned as himself, and w,
Phoutiug and gesticulating with many wi
grimaces, the people responding to his st
lies of wit and distortions of countenan
with resounding bursts of merriment.
"A professional story teller," I said :
myself, and it proved I was right
The f ellow seemed master of his busines
for all were eager and excited, save on
tho gaunt, sorrowful camel, which wi
sunk in a gloom no mirth could brighte
Perhaps, like Harlequin, itwastoofamilii
with jesis to he much cheered hy them,
had not watched the performance moi
than a minute when the clown noticed tn
He stared for a second in amazement, bi
quickly recovering tbe professional ins<
lenee he pointed a leering finger at ni
calling upon the assemblage to look at tb
rare curiosity that had opportunely a|
peared for their entertainment. Like on
mau they wheeled about and fastened thei
eyes upon me.
At this I turned quickly on my heel t
walk off, considering it the safest policy t
get out of the way with as much speed an
as little fuss as possible. But the stor
teller hurling a stinging gibe at me abou
my courage (a quality I would let no ma:
make a jest of with impunity), I turne*
again and faced the throng, my heart al
ready beginning to bristle in my breast
There was a moment's silence, then th
buffoon on the camel began a running com
mentary on my looks, my dress and spirit
enlivening his remarks with witticism
that made very free with my feelings am
sent the listeners (all save one) into convul
sions of laughter. He capped his insult
and insolences by inviting his audience t<
step forward and examine me for them
selves.
The next minute they had formed a rinj
about me, taking care, however, to kee]
some distance off, as if I might be an ani
mal of uncertain temper. But a perk]
youth, in rich cloak aud many coloree
sashes, eager to set un example in temerity
and make sport for bis fellows, ran up ant
probed rae in the ribs with his riding stick
lt was wonderful how the old fiery spirit o:
retaliation came hack on me. Quicker that
thought I whipped out my pistol and cov
ered the fellow's head. He ducked, dodged
and disappeared like magic. Disappointed
at his celerity in gettingoutof sight, I tooi
aim at the clown. He, too, had an antip
athy to such target practice, and like a
flash was off his camel and hiding among
the crowd. A thrilling pause followed ai
the people, fallen silent, stared in wonder at
me, then at one another, then at the came]
standing as saturnine and stupid looking
as ever, quite unconscious of its master's
sudden desertion.
SuMsfied with having frightened my mo
lesters aud anxious to prove my pacific in
tentions toward the company in general, I
returned the pistol to my belt. Seeing this,
the chopfallen story teller sneaked back
for his beast, taking care as he led it off to
keep its body between him and me. The
crowd hesitated a moment, as if uncertain
which performer to patronize; then went
trooping after the clown in evident expecta
tion of further diversion elsewhere. My
Impulse was to follow and spoil the fun;
but, remembering the discretion which 1B
the better part of valor, I turned aside and
went in another direction.
I had not gone a hundred yards when I
felt a gentle touch on the arm, and looking
round found at my side an elderly Arab of
venerable and benignant aspect. As my
eyes met his he bowed with a cordial grav
ity and held out his open hand. Glad to
find any one so friendly, I also bowed and
laid my open palm in his, waiting for him
to speak.
"I was in the midst of the congregation
when the jester derided thee and mude the
people laugh," he began in a kindly tone.
"I saw thee pull out thy weapon and aim
at the fool w ho smote thee with his riding
stick, and 1 trembled for thy safety, for as
suredly hadst thou slain him thy own
blood had watered the ground. "When the
jester slunk away and the people followed,
I hastened after thee to speak with thee,
and if thou be in need of aught I possess
know of a surety it is thine. If thou art a
hungered, thou shalt eat; if thou art thirsty,
thou shalt drink; if thou art weary, thou
shalt wash thy feet and rest. Said Achmct
hath himsel been a wanderer and knoweth
the distress of a stranger in a strange land."
Greatly surprised, though thrilling with
joy and gratitude, I replied: "I am indeed a
stranger ina strange land, cast on the shore
like driftwood, to be tossed and made the
sport of fate. But thy kindness puts new
spirit in me."
"Artthou hungry?" he asked, looking me
in the face.
"Hungry, thirsty and spent," I answered.
"Come with me, my son," said the Arab
graciously. "I would fain learn wLo and
what thou art and how thou cattiest hither,
where, I doubt, if any mau of thy nation
ever set foot before. But long tales fit not
a hungry belly. When thou hast eaten and
rested, peradventure thou wilt tell me thy
story."
lie led the way, I walking by his side in
silence, for it is contrary to Arabian eti
quette to make a tired mai. answer ques
tions. We wound for a long distance
through circling streets, then turned aside
under the shadow of clustering palms into
a small hut luxuriant garden, fragrant
with flowers and musical with babbling
water. From the garden to the bottle was
but a step.
A black slave met us as we entered, and
ut a word from bis master brought a pile of
cusliions to the kliawali, or reception room,
for nie, placing them neur the stove, whir h
is the pince of honor. Then, bringing water,
he took off my shoes and washed my feet,
a piece of attention that was strange, but
exceedingly refreshing.
After awhile came the food. This con
sisted of a large piece of boiled mutton, a
kind of hatter made of ground wheat and
melted butter, boiled rice, fresh dates, figs,
Bour camel's milk and coffee-real Mocha,
that never hv unv chanca enmoa ty? ir???-.
lands. The st?iT'that deluded Englishmen]
gulp down as coffee an Arab menial would
not put to his lips. The truth is that the
untraveled Briton never sees Mocha. What
passes with him as such is only the refuse
of all the plantations of Arabia, and often
of plantations outside Arabia, gathered In
the interest of shippers, and jrreatly to the
prejudice of occidental palates and stom
achs. The pale, flavorless berries sent to
western Europe and America are to the
rich, brown, aromatic berries valued by
eastern peoples what the sour crab apple is
to the lucious nectarine, yet the swells of
London and Paris drink the muddy mix
ture served to them as coffee with symp
toms of delight. Truly, Ignorance has its
enjoyments and consolations. As for my
self, my nose never comes over a cup of the
English preparation without causing me
an inward shiver of disgust.
The meal was all brought in together,
heaped on one huge wooden trencher, and
what had been on the fire was eaten scald
ing hot with the fingers, for the Arabs
scorn the frivolity of knives and forks. I
found no difficulty whatever in reverting
to the methods of Adam. The batter I
could make nothing of, since it was like
putty in my hands, and the mutton seemed
none too cleanly dressed, but on the rice
and fruit I fell with the furious zeal of a
famishing man, being indeed as empty asa
dry well.
The meal finished-literally finished, for
Arab hospitality enjoins that a guest shall
eat while a morsel remains-we washed our
hands, an operation that was highly neces
sary, and went into the gnrden to smoke
the pipe of peace under the umbrageous
cover of date palms.
I cannot express the luxury of reclining
in that verdurous scene, watching the sun
descending to "his chambers" in the west.
Put mind and body at rest after racking
both; let fruits and blossoms and green
masses of foliage take the place of a baked
and blasted wilderness. After a raging
fever of thirst let water plash and - sparkle
In fountain and stream. Instead of torrid,
noxious blasts, let
Gentle gal09
Fanning their oderlferous wings dispenso
Nativo perfumes and whisper whenco they
stolo ,
Those balmy spoils.
and, above all, let a sense of human cordial
ity and sympathy replace the distress of
the outcast, and you may dimly conceive
my feelings of quiet joy and deep content.
Everything was in unison with my mood,
from the mystic splendors of the encircling
mountains to thc soft beauty and inceuse
of the radiant, mellowy groves closcat
hand. We spoke not a word. In delicious
silence we saw the gold waning, and the
rose flushing, and mountain, plain and tree
shining with a shifting glory that WOK like
an effluent flood of light and color from the
open doors of heaven. Then down dropped
the sun. darkness rushed upon the laud,
and we went inside. Said Achmet lost no
time in reminding me of the promise to
tell my story.
He listened to it with the immovable
countenance of the sphinx, sucking quietly
at his pipe, his eyes fast on the ground.
When the recital wus over, he raised hi3
face to mine.
"Thou hast been in great peril, ray son,"
he said, "and such as thou never couldst
have escaped except the hand of God were
with thee. Of a surety thou art reserved
for some great work."
I asked him if he had any idea who and
what the men were who hud plundered aud
fired the brig, and almost truculently he
answered:
"Dogs and thieves and marderers and, if
it be possible, worse. I know them, the evil
offspring of Cain. They have had their
polluting hands on me; they have made me
suffer. Their deeds reek with iniqu'iy.
They are men, look you, whose heads
should not be on their shoulders. That is
it. But let us not talk of such vile dogs.
It is not good. It polluteth the mouth to
name them."
Finding him so strangely moved, I was
at a loss how to proceed, but at a venture I
inquired the name of the town.
"The city is called Marabel," he rejoined.
"Thou shalt know it all. It is not so
mighty a city as Bombay; neither is it so
rich. Yet it is a famous place, and we have
a great governor. It will please me to pre
sent thee to him. But perchance I may in
quire what thou meanest to do?"
"How can the driftwood cast on the
beach know what the next wave will do
with it?" I answered.
He smoked a little more thoughtfully at
this, as if he were pondering something.
"We are a people by ourselves," he re
marked slowly, after the space of a minute.
"For ages too many to be numbered we
have been what thou seest us. I have trav
eled-I know what changes are in other
parts of the earth, but wc change not, save
to go from youth to age, from our mother's
care to the darkness of the grave. As the
son is, so was the father, and so the father's
father, even to the generations afar off,
when thepatriarch Abraham builttheholy
house of Mecca, and Job, after manifold suf
ferings, was enriched for keeping his soul's
integrity and numbered the increase of his
flocks and herds and gathered the overflow
ing gold and silver from his thrashing floors
-gold from that which was for wheat, and
silver from that which was for barley. [Tho
Araos believe that Abraham built the
Caaba, and that after proving the right
eousness of Job God sent two clouds which
rained gold and silver on his thrashing
floors till they ran over.] The children of
Ishmael have been the same since the be
ginning, like the sun, and the moon, and
the stars.
"Yonder hills, my son, have yielded more
to time than the seed of Hagar, and the
Bea has been farther moved from its place
than they. As a people, we abide by our
selves. No ships go from hence to far lands.
Wherefore if thou desirest to return to
thine own country it may be hard for thee.
And I grieve to tell thee that sojourning
has many perils, for my people are incensed
against the face a stranger. Three moons
have not passed since an Egyptian spy was
slain and torn asunder in a public place, and
the blood of a Persian who came seeking
what was not his is yet wet on the ground.
Yet let not these things dismay thee. I know
an evil countenance when I see it. Thine
pleads for thee; therefore thou shalt abide
with me. Morever, a man of thy nation
once gave me mylife. It would be a long
tale to tell, but I will remember it to his race
forever. For all these things tarry with me
for a time, and while I have store thou
shalt not want. And if thine ears are open
to counsel there is one thing more I would
gay."
"Speak," I said earnestly. "If thy wis
dom equal thy goodness, it will indeed be
well with me if I attend to thy counsel."
"Mortal knoweth not what may come to
pass," said the Arab solemnly, "only God
and his holy prophet. This, then, is my
counsel-that thou make thyself as one of
us. Already, to my astonishment, thou art
master of our tongue. As thou caust be an
Arab in speech, be one also in apparel
Thus far honor our country and be assured
it will stand to thee."
"It shall be as t hou wilt," I answered.
Said Achmet got to his feet with an eager
smile.
"Good!" he cried. "Sec if 1 mako not af
likely a follower of the prophet of thee as
the best of them." Whereupon he began
hastily to search out the clothes that were
to effect my transformation.
He was fastidious in having me ortho
doxly arrayed. My long shirt was spotless
white, my turban was of fine yellow silk,
my mantle was black and gold, a gorgeous
scarlet sash that would fitly have adorned
a queeu enc.iclcd my waist and my naked
feet were put in costly suudals.
"By my faith, as genuine a child of the
desert as ever I set eyes on!" exclaimed
Said Achmet when I was habited in my
flowing robes. "But one thing thou yet
lackest."
Heran into an inner room and brouglit
forth a small silver hilted sword, supported
by a richly wrought, variegated belt of
camel's hair and leather, set off with silver
edgings. "Thou shalt wear this," he said
warmly. "It once belonged lo the head of
the faith himself and never before dangled
by the Hide f an infidel. Nay, nay; what
said I? Th? I wilt pardon the unthinking
haste of t! tongue. Not an infidel, an
alien-that ls to say, a stranger such os
thou art."
Partly to cover his confusion, partly to
show the heartiness of his friendship, be in
sisted on inventing nie with the badge of
honor Jiimsc'-L
BE CONTINUED.]
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CHILD BIRTH . . .
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" MOTHERS' FR^ND " is a scientific
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"MOTHERS'
. FRIEND" .
WILL DO all that is claimed for
it ANDMORE, lt Shortens Labor,
Lessens Pain, Diminishes Danger to
Life of Mother and Child. Book
to " MOTHERS " mailed FREE, con
taining valuable information and
voluntary testimonials.
?entbv express on receipt of price $1.50 perbottlo
BRADFIELD REGULATOR CO., Atlanta.Ga.
SOLD BY ALL DRUGGISTS.
" COMPOUND.
A recent discovery by an ole)
physician. Successfully vseii
monthly by thousands of La.
dies. Is thu only perfectly safu
and rel labio medicino discov
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medicines In pince of Ibis. Ask for COOK'S COTTOII
ROOT COMPOUND, take no Substitute, or Inclose 81 and
0 cents In postage In lotter, and wo will send, scaled,
by return malL Full scaled particulars In plain
cnvolopo, io ladles only, 2 stamps
Address Pond Lily Company.
Ko. S Flthor Block, Detroit, ?lien.
Sold in Edgefield by G. L
Penn & Son and druggists everywhere
Prof. E. W. Smith, Prin. Commercial College
ci Ky. University, Lexington, Ky., was awardsd
MEDAL AND DIPLOMA
BY THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
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BnsIncsH Education, etc Cost to complete
Business Course about fJO. Including tuition,books
and board. Phonography, Type Writing and
Telegraphy taught. For circulars, address,
W. B. SMITH. President, Lexington, Ky.
CAUTION.-If a dealer offer* W. I*
Douglas ..hoon at a reduced prie-, or say*
he has them without namo damped on
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I FOR
IAMB
sf00
*175
a Esao
BEST IN
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and wa believe yon can save money by baying all
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Catalogue free upon application. Address,
W. L. DOUGLAS, Brockton, Mass. Sold by
CT. M. COBB
EDGEFIELD, S. C.
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HOUSES. 45 GREENHOUSES; 30 auca KUBSEIUES.
Address
, NANZ & NEUNER, LOUISVILLE, KT.
What a wonderful thing Ls a live seed.
Immature, old or dcm! lt may look the some.
How to k now ? Old gardeners buy that
This li tho proof of life. When grown we gi vo
our word you will be satisfied-your success
ls ours. IM It PE K'S FAIl.1l ANNUAL
for I.SIM, IT? paprs, leila ?ll ubout f/i? Jlest
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I free for the asking If you p'autseeda.
W. A TLEE BURPEE & CO., Philadelphia.
1
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at the
Advertiser
Job
Office.
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And thereby insure the comfort
of those who are depending
on you for support. If you are
alone in the world insure your
life and form an endowment
that will comfort and support
you in after years. At all
events insure your life. What
is the best form of insurance?
The Tontine Policy issued by the
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It offers advantages to be had
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W. J. RODDEY, Manager,
Department of the Carolinas,
ROCK HILL, S. C.
GEO B, LAKE
RE^L ESTATE
- AND - I
INSHRANCG ACT,
Office mr lait ol Held.
PAT E
For Inventions F
PRESS CLAI1
Equal with the interest of tho
eminent is that of INVENTORS, ^
ble inventions because of the incoi
corneys employed to obtain their ps
exercised in employing competent
patents, for the value of a patent de
the care and skill of the attorney.
With the view of protecting in
attorneys, and of seeing that inven
patents, THE PRESS CLAIMS I
expert in patent practice, and is th<
Obtain Patents, Conduct Interfere]
Prosecute Rejected Case
and Copyrights, Rendel
and Validity of Pat
Defend Infringe
If you have an invention on h
COMPANY a sketch or photograpl
scription of the important feature
as to the best course to pursu
unless the invention is of acomplic
ing on your rights, or if you are chi
submit the matter to us for a reliab
matter.
The Press Cia
618 F Street, Northwest,
P.O. Box463. .'JOHNiWE
0ST Cut this out and he
?. YOU WANT: INF
P G NS
ADDRESS A LETTER <
THE PRESS CLA
JOHN WEDDERBURN
]P. O. Box 46, WAS
Honorable discharged soldiers ;
or over, in the late war, are entitled,
for ordinary manual labor, whether
or not, and regardless of their pecui
Widows of such soldiers and sa;
whether soldier's death was due to f
upon their own labor for support,
own labor are entitled if the soldier1
Children are entitled (if under
ther& was no widow, or she has since
Parents are entitled if soldier le
soldier died in service, or from effec
pendent upon their own labor for
whether Eoldier served or died in la
Soldiers of the late war, pensioi
higher rates under other laws, withe
Thousands of soldiers drawing ?
the old law, are entitled to higher ri
?account of disabilities for which
whether due to service or not.
Soldiers and sailors disabled in
navy since the war are also entitled,
or not
Survivors, and their widows, of
and Seminole or Florida Indian Wa
der a recent act..
Mexican War soldiers and their
years of age or disabled or dependci
Old claims completed and settlt
has been granted under later laws oi
Rejected claims reopened and
improper or illegal.
Certificates of service and disci
sailois of the late war who have lost
Send for laws and information,
less successful. Address,
THE PRESS CL^
JOHN WEDDERB
P. O. Box 463.
WM. som
OTlie Je
Corner [Broad and
Augusta,
(ft. HATHAWAY & CO.,
^SPECIALISTS^.
(Resalar Graduate?.)
Axe tbc lending and mott success! u! specialist* and
fill give yon help.
Young and mid
dle aurea men.
Remarkable re
salts bave follow
ed oar treatment.
Many yean of
varied and success
ful experience
In the usc of cura
tive methods that
wc aloneoweand
control for all dis
^vvT- ordcrsofmec who
^ %have weale, undo
Jveloncd or dis
iw_eascd organs, of
^^who arc sufferlne
'from errors ci
youth and excesi
Cor woo are nervous
?and tinpot ont,
Jthc Bcorn of their
/?.'?-if ci io us and the
contempt of their
friends and cen.
pantons, lends n
o a*narantee to all patients. If they csa possibly
JO restored, our own exclusive treatment
?viii alford acure.
WO HEX! Don't yon want to get cared of that
?veakne** with a treatment that yon can n*e at
mme without Instrument!)? Our wonderful treat*
nent has cared others. Why not you? Try lt.
CATARRH, and diseases of the Stein, Blood,
Heart, Liver and Kidneys.
8TPHILI8-The most mptd. safe and effective
.emedy. A complete Cnro Guaranteed.
S Tv rv DISEASES of aU kinds cared where
nany others have failed.
TTNTSATTTR A L DISCHARGES promptly
eared In a few days. Quick, su.-e and safe. Thu
nciudes Gleet and Gonorhoa.
TRUTH AND FACfS.
We have cured coses of Ch roi. : Diseases tb)
lave fatted to get cured at the hat. 'A of other s pee lu
tts and medical Institutes.
w-mt\ irr"rinrrTTthiTTh-r ls hop?
Tor You. Consult no other, as you may waste valuable
time. Obtain oar treatment at once.
Beware of free and Cheap treatments. We airt
the best and most scientific treatment at moderan
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by mall. Thorough examination and careful dla?
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Df cases. Send for Symptom Binnie No. JforMen:
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Address or call on
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Norris & Cantelou.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW.
EEGEPTELE, S. C.
Will practice in all the Courts of the
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;NTS,
Procured by the
ii COMPANY.
se having claims against the Gov.
.ho often lose the benefit ef v?^na
npiitency or inattention of the at
itents. Too much care cannot be
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pends greatly, if not entirely, upon
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tions are well protected by valid
COMPANY has retained counsel
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r Opinions as to Scope
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ie. Models are not necessary
:ated nature. If others are infring
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le OPINION before acting on the
.ims Company,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
iDDERBURN, Mana'g Att'v
nd it with your inquiry.
OEMATION AEOTJ?
DR POSTAL CARD TO
IMS COMPANY,
?, Mnging Attorney,
iHirco'roiNr, DD. o
and sailors who'served nineiy days,
if now partially or wholly diabled
disability was caused by service
liary circumstances,
ilorsare entitled (if not remarried)
service or not, if now dependent
Widows not dependent upon their
s death was due to service,
sixteen in almost all cases where
died or remarried,
ft neither widow nor child.orovided
its of service, and they are now de
support. It makes no difference
te war or in regular army or navy,
led umder one law, may apply for
ut losing any rights,
?rom $2 to $10 per month under
ties under new law, not only on
now pensioned, tut also others, -?'
time of duty in regular army or
, whether discharged for disability
the Black Hawk Creek, Cherokee,
rs of 1832 to 1842 are entitled uu
widows also entitled, if sixty-two
it.
iinent obtained whether pension
: not.
settlement secured, if rejection
large obtained for soldiers and
their original papers.
No charge for advice. No fee un
LIMS CO.,
URN, Managing Attorney.
WASHINGTON, D. C
WEIGERT
seller,
MclBtosIi Streets.
Gre*.